Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from nail-biter win over Boston College

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Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson safety Nolan Turner (24) intercepts a pass intended for Boston College receiver Jaelen Gill (86) during the second quarter of the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sloppy second half dooms Boston College

Boston College was aggressive right out of the gates and was on the verge of picking up the biggest upset all season. The second half effort was one they will have a tough time shaking off.

Their first drive was almost a disaster as Phil Jurkovec took a sack that cost them 18 yards and continued to shift the momentum towards the Clemson sidelines. The Eagles finished with just 71 yards of offense and zero points in the second half.

They also had two crucial special team penalties that negated two great punts by Grant Carlson that pinned Clemson inside the 3 each time. Clemson would instead start at their own nine and go 91 yards for the go ahead touchdown.

Jurkovec was attacking downfield all day long, having two completions going for 35-plus yards and 8 completions that went for 10-plus yards. However, some are arguing they were a bit too aggressive on that final drive.

So: third and 9, BC chucks it deep. Fourth and nine, BC chucks it deep. Yuck.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 31, 2020

Boston College’s QB with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/WgRpml16Lc
— Nick Reiss (@NickReiss25) October 31, 2020

These are fair points, but take into context that the rushing game was averaging 2 yards per carry on 34 attempts. They were very successful early on in the game with deep throws and must have felt they had to keep throwing haymakers.

Boston College stuck with their game-plan of attacking the Clemson secondary and came up just six points short in the end.

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